• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 2500
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Leica M-E (Typ 220) advantages over Panasonic GX8

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.91 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 63 mm
    Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Leica M-E (Typ 220)

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $998 vs $7999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.77x vs 0.68x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 32 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.3 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 2500 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX8

Review Excerpt

  • Highest resolution Micro Four Thirds camera yet; Great high ISO performance; Very fast autofocus; Fast burst mode with deep buffers; Impressive Dual I.S. system; Great 4K video.

  • No built-in flash; Slow buffer clearing; Below average battery life; Limited I.S. for 4K video.

The Competition

Compared to Leica M Monochrom

Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Leica M Monochrom
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
Panasonic GX8
Leica M Monochrom
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $7950
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica M (Typ 240)

Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
Panasonic GX8
Leica M (Typ 240)
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $6995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M1

Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Olympus E-M1
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M1
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Leica M-P (Typ 240)

Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • $7495
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
Panasonic GX8
Leica M-P (Typ 240)
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7495
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Leica M-E (Typ 220)
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup
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